Celebrate play and Champion children’s rights
Thursday 11 June is the International Day of Play, and we would love for your school to join in the celebrations.
Play is not a break from learning – it is how children learn, connect and thrive.
“Play is the highest form of research”
– Albert Einstein
Why Play Matters
Play is a child’s right
Play is recognised in Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as fundamental to every child’s development and wellbeing. With the UNCRC incorporated into Scots law, schools have a vital role in upholding children’s right to play, rest and leisure in everyday practice.
Celebrating the International Day of Play is a practical and visible way to embed children’s rights across your school community.
Play is the way children learn
Play is central to Curriculum for Excellence, supporting children to become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. Through play, children:
- Explore ideas and interests
- Develop creativity and problem-solving skills
- Build resilience and confidence
- Strengthen communication and relationships
Playful learning supports depth, relevance and engagement across all curriculum areas.
“They learn through using their senses, being active and mobile, through inquiry, communicating in a variety of ways, discovering new things and interacting with others”
(Realising the Ambition: Being Me, Education Scotland, 2020, p.19)
Play supports all children
Play benefits every child, including those with additional support needs and children who are neurodivergent. Play offers flexible, child-led opportunities that respect different ways of thinking, communicating and interacting.
Play makes school a place children want to be
When play is valued, schools become welcoming, inclusive environments where children feel a sense of belonging. Play strengthens positive relationships, emotional wellbeing and engagement with learning.
“When children feel happy and connected, learning follows.”
How to Get Involved
Celebrating the International Day of Play is simple – and free.
Step 1 – Register
Sign up today by entering your email address below. We’ll send you access to our free celebration pack, packed with practical ideas, activities and guidance. It also includes an information email and a leaflet for parents.
👉 Register now to receive your free International Day of Play resources.
Step 2 – Celebrate
Plan your activities and facilitate play in your school on Thursday 11 June, or another day that week.
Step 3 – Keep on Playing!
After the International Day of Play, we’ll send you a short survey. Tell us a bit about what you did to celebrate, and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win £100 in vouchers to help keep play going in your school.
👉 Register now to make sure we send you the follow up survey
Register now to celebrate the International Day of Play at Your School
By providing your email address, you are giving Play Scotland permission to send you an email with the Ideas Pack and 3 reminder emails.
Be Part of a Rights‑Respecting Movement
By taking part, your school joins a growing national and global movement that recognises play as essential to children’s rights, wellbeing and learning.
Celebrate the International Day of Play with Play Scotland – and help create schools where every child can thrive.
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